Background
Surgical mesh devices composed of synthetic materials used for ventral hernia repair often cause complications of fibrosis and patient discomfort. Our goal is to develop biocompatible and biodegradable mesh which means the matrix after fulfilling its duty should degrade into nontoxic fragments and be incorporated into the body. Electrospinning has emerged as one of the most promising techniques for creating nanofiber scaffolds for tissue engineering. These networks consisting of fibers with the diameter of less than 100 nanometers hold the potency of mimicking the structure of the native environment of the cells the extracellular matrix. A novel nanofiber mesh with good mechanical properties from high molecular weight poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) developed by our research group was used in rat hernia model for in vivo experiments.

Material and Methods
Wistar rats (n=12) in Group I. (n=4) received PVA mesh (2.5cm in Diameter D) to repair abdominal wall defects (D = 2cm). In Group II. (n=4) the PVA mesh was implanted by laparotomy. In the control group (n=4) only skin incision was made. Rats in each group were dissected after 27 days of the operation and implants were evaluated macroscopically and histologically.

Results
All rats were survived. The mesh has held its strength and formation. In Group I. slightly adhesion formation occurred compared to Group II. Histological response to PVA meshes was giant cell foreign body reaction, which was similar to surgical threads.

Conclusion
PVA nanofiber mesh may provide an alternative option as biocompatible material for future treatment of abdominal wall defects.